Corporate Vice President in the Operating Systems Group at Microsoft, Joe Belfiore played an important role in the development of Windows Phone platform, which is dead despite being a fluid-beautiful mobile platform. In 2017, Microsoft has completely given up on Windows 10 Mobile and the Redmond giant is instead focusing on the rival mobile platforms.
After the 9-month leave of absence from Microsoft to travel around the world, Joe Belfiore returned back to Microsoft earlier this year. During his trip, Joe Belfiore was using an iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S7. Some weeks ago, he also confirmed that he uses Samsung Galaxy S8 with lots of Microsoft software.
Multiple times Windows Phone fans have criticised Belfiore for using an Android or iPhone over the company’s own Windows Phone operating system. Today, Joe Belfiore poured his heart out revealing why he ditched Windows Phone for Android.
In a series of tweets, Joe Belfiore addressed the reason behind lack of support for Windows 10 Mobile from Microsoft and why the platform is dead in 2017. It all started when a Windows Phone user asked Belfiore whether it is the right time to leave the Microsoft’s mobile platform.
Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Windows, Joe Belfiore admitted that because of the app gap, he had to ditch his Windows Phone. “I switched platforms for the app/hw diversity, he said. He further writes that Microsoft will continue to support all mobile platforms but Windows 10 Mobile is no longer the company’s priority.
Citing a lack of apps as the main problem, Belfiore also confirmed that Windows Phone is dead. He even explains that despite paying money to the companies to build apps for Windows Phone, most of the companies never released the app for the platform because the volume of users is too low.
“We have tried VERY HARD to incent app devs. Paid money. wrote apps 4 them.. but volume of users is too low for most companies to invest,” Belfiore tweeted with a frowning face emoji.
Microsoft will, however, continue to support Windows 10 Mobile. If you want to stick to Windows Phone, you can but stop holding out for new features and major improvements as Microsoft’s focus is on Android and iOS.
